If you’re hunting for an all-natural, wooden, unique playground structure that’s one-of-a-kind, look no further than the Asheville Playground at Wendell Falls!
Located behind the Farmhouse Cafe
If you haven’t heard, Wendell Falls is an amazing planned community development in Wendell that is growing like crazy! Within the neighborhood you will find The Farmhouse Cafe, a modern restaurant and bar with an amazing back patio for dining. Behind the cafe, between the luxurious pool and tranquil pond, you will find the custom-built Asheville Playground. It’s a unique, natural, wooden playground built from two locust trees found in the mountains. The designer, Asheville Playgrounds, also created the popular Knightdale Station Park in nearby Knightdale.
Wooden Playground
Besides Knightdale Station Park and Kelly Road park in Apex, The Asheville Playground at Wendell Falls is the only wooden playground structure left in the Raleigh/Triangle area that I know of (let me know in the comments if I’m missing one)!
My kid’s favorite place to play was on the swinging rope bridge, although I don’t recommend it for kids younger than 2. It’s basically a balance beam with a wide-hole net around it. My 2.5 year old was pretty unsteady on it, and my older kids learned they could actually jump through the holes to the ground below. 😮
Due to the difficulty of the playground, younger kids may need quite a bit of help. At 5.5, 4, and 2.5, my kids were able to do it all on their own, with just a few scary moments for mom!
Not a lot of shade, but gated!
Another thing to keep in mind is that the playground doesn’t get a lot of shade. They installed a small shade sail over the picnic table, but the rest of the space is in direct sun unless you visit on a cloudy day. The good news is that the space is fully gated, so no wandering kids!
The playground is directly by the pool and splash pad, so if your kids are like mine they will be begging to go swimming the whole time you’re there. 😂 Unfortunately the pool is only open to residents, so unless you know someone who lives there you’re not getting in, no matter how tempting it is!
Your kids will also enjoy the accessible swing, which can also double as a baby swing. It reclines quite a bit and doesn’t have the heavy plastic lap belt like you see elsewhere, so baby should be able to use it safely with the harness straps.
Relax with friends
While you’re in the area you can enjoy the pond, walking trails, and the nearby patio and picnic shelter with a cozy fireplace. It’s a great place to eat dinner and relax outside with friends!